Table of Contents
How thick should I pour my shower pan?
Start with a 1/4-inch thick layer around the shower drain and then slope upwards and outwards from there to the perimeter. Commercial specifications are 1/4-inch of slope for every linear foot. Pack this pre-sloped mixture down and let it dry overnight.
Can I use regular concrete for shower pan?
Concrete is perfectly adequate, if not recommended, for use as the shower pan base for materials such as stone, tile or mosaic tile to be used as the finish surface (as long as there is a proper membrane between the concrete and any vulnerable surrounding material).
Do you need mortar under shower base?
If the shower base installation floor is not level, there are two options. The second is to add mortar to the floor to even it out. If sliding shims under the base does not work, opt to install the mortar bed. This is usually a good idea when floors are badly sloped or the use of shims is simply not practical.
How far up the wall should a shower pan liner go?
The pan liner should finish a minimum of 6 inches above the framed or (roughed-in) curb height. This height allows for the application of concrete base and finishes to be applied.
What kind of cement do you use to pour a shower pan?
The ideal mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement. This type of mortar creates a great water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit.
How thick should the first layer of a shower pan be?
The shower pan base mortar layer should be about an inch thick. The shower floor already has a pre-slope, so just apply a base mortar layer that is even thickness throughout the shower floor area.
How many bags of sand do I put in a shower pan?
I usually mix one bag sand/topping mix with a half bag of sand (25lbs) to make things easy and have had good luck with that. Be very careful with how much water you add to the deck mud as you mix it up. It’s referred to as dry-pack mortar for a reason. Do not add water like you are mixing concrete.
What’s the best mortar mix for shower pan?
The best mortar for shower pans is a mixture of sand and Portland cement as it creates a water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit and the users. You can create your own with Portland cement and fine sand (1:5) and 4 quarts water for 80 lb. of the mixture.
Does shower pan liner go behind backer board?
The wallboard must be installed 1/8 inch above the shower pan. If the shower pan is not in place, the wallboard height must be guessed, which can lead to inaccuracies and an expansion gap that is too large or too small.
Do plumbers install shower pans?
Plumbers generally install the shower liner, new drain trap and strainer. In the old days, when lead and copper were used, you wouldn’t expect the tile person to install the pan Shower liners here are part of the rough plumbing inspection, I would not want the tile person to be responsible for my work.
How many bags of mortar do you need for a shower pan?
To set the base, mix up about half a 60-lb. bag of mortar with water to a creamy consistency. Avoid concrete mix; stones in the mix will hold the base away from the floor. Spread the mortar over the floor under the base, about 1 in. or so thick.
Do you fit shower tray before tiling?
We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray. Step 1 – Position the shower tray where you want it installed and make sure it fits into the space with no clearance issues.
What goes first shower pan or walls?
Whether you choose to install tile or the panel walls, drywall always goes on top of the shower pan, after the pan is set into the floor. Both tile and shower walls perform the same function, they just do so with different types of materials.
Does a shower pan need a liner?
And yes, it is safe to have it. In fact, the absence of a liner can be riskier than having a one under the tiles. Installing a shower pan liner is a must and it can be the difference between an enriching experience every day to a leaky bathroom.
Do you glue the shower pan liner down?
The standard sizes of shower liner can require a seam that needs to be glued to ensure a watertight connection. Not using the correct adhesive allows the lapped seam to separate and water to pass by the liner. An incorrect lap does not provide enough protection against water leaks. Showers require a sealed base.
Can you use Sakrete sand for shower pan?
We recommend using Sakrete Sand Mix Topping & Bedding for shower pans. The Sand Mix is used with less water to achieve a “dry pack” consistency, which allows the product to be used at a greater thickness than 2” inches. There is not a recommended amount of water to be used for a dry pack.
Can I use thinset for shower pan?
Mix thinset mortar with the drill and paddle. Add more thinset to one side to level the floor, if necessary. Check the floor to ensure it is level, using the carpenter’s level. Set the acrylic shower pan in place on top of the mortar.
Can you use quikrete sand topping mix for shower pan?
QUIKRETE Sand/Topping Mix is a mixture of Portland cement, commercial grade sands and other ingredients. It’s a great concrete mix for shower pans that comes in a lot more sizes. You can buy 10 lb, 40 lb, 60 lb, and 80 lb bags. It’s easy to spread, pack and form the mix into a shower pan of any design or slope.
